Wang Yi discusses investment and transport links with Bulgarian deputy premier

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Puliefu (普列夫) in Sofia on October 19, according to China News Service and Jiemian. Wang said relations between the two countries were at an important period of opportunity and called for more practical cooperation to support their development. He congratulated the deputy prime minister on a recent visit to China, which he described as successful. [ 1 , 3 ]

Wang said China was willing to expand cooperation with Bulgaria in finance and investment. He also expressed hope that Bulgaria would improve its visa policies to create better conditions for people travelling between the two countries. He said Bulgaria's geographical position could make it an important link between Asia and Europe and that, as an EU member, it could play a positive role in strategic cooperation between China and the European Union. China was willing to coordinate the Belt and Road Initiative with development of the Middle Corridor, Wang added. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]

The Bulgarian deputy prime minister praised China's achievements in economic development, technological innovation and infrastructure. He described his recent China visit as successful and said the reception he received showed the importance China attached to Bulgaria. He said Bulgaria's new government had a positive attitude and long-term plans toward developing relations with China and wanted the country to become a gateway for Chinese companies entering Europe. Bulgaria was willing to work to advance bilateral and EU-China cooperation and turn friendly relations into more practical results, he said. [ 1 , 3 ]